File photo of Mullaperiyar dam
The Kerala government today moved the Supreme Court seeking its direction for lowering the water level in Mullaperiyar dam which has risen to 140 feet and order Tamil Nadu government to frame guidelines for releasing water.
The state government, in its petition, said that water level can surpass the 142 feet level, allowed by the apex court, at any moment in view of heavy rains in the region.
The state pleaded that the Tamil Nadu government be directed to take water away from Mullaperiyar dam and store it in nearby Vaigai dam which is holding water only 60 per cent of its capacity right now.
The Supreme Court-appointed committee on the Mullaperiyar dam had earlier rejected Kerala's demand for lowering the water level of the reservoir below 136 feet in view of heavy rains lashing at the site, causing safety concern to people in the area.
According to official sources, the panel, headed by a chief engineer from the Central Water Commission, turned down the state's demand in this regard after a review meeting.